New Delhi: Florentino Perez has come under fire from a Namibian journalist after his remarks about the 2024 Ballon d’Or voting process. The Real Madrid president blamed journalists from Namibia, Uganda, Albania, and Finland for Vinícius Junior missing out on the award, claiming their votes lacked credibility.
Speaking at Real Madrid’s AGM, Perez expressed his frustration, stating that without those countries’ votes, Vinicius would have won. He also called for the voting process to be overhauled, arguing it should be handled by people with recognised football expertise. However, Namibian journalist Sheefeni Nikodemus, one of the voters, strongly hit back at Perez’s comments.
Namibian journalist Sheefeni Nicodemus has responded to #RealMadrid President Florentino Perez saying that he should not have a vote in the #BallonDOr.
“Basically I suspect these are the words of someone who is frustrated,” he told Cadena SER. pic.twitter.com/Eb0OzBBfRe
— Football España (@footballespana_) November 26, 2024
Nikodemus, speaking to Cadena SER, questioned the Real Madrid president’s stance, suggesting it reflected frustration rather than valid criticism. “If he feels people from my country are inferior, I’d like to know what his argument would be if a top football nation disagreed with him,” Nikodemus remarked.
Vinicius was a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or after an outstanding season that saw Real Madrid claim LaLiga and Champions League titles. However, his performance for Brazil at the Copa America was underwhelming compared to Rodri’s contribution to Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph. Rodri ultimately secured the prize with 1,170 points, narrowly edging out Vinícius, who scored 1,129 points.
Madrid’s frustration over the outcome led them to boycott the ceremony, despite Carlo Ancelotti winning Coach of the Year and the club being named Team of the Year. Perez argued that Rodri deserved the award the previous year but insisted this year’s honour should have gone to Vinicius, Dani Carvajal, or Jude Bellingham.
The backlash against Perez highlights growing tensions over the Ballon d’Or voting process, with calls for reforms to ensure a more transparent and fair system.
A Namibian journalist has criticised Florentino Perez after his remarks about Ballon d’Or votes from smaller nations. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
